STEP UP to Leadership

STEP UP to Leadership STEP UP (Starting Today Empowering Peers through Uniting and Participating) Council is composed of youth and young adults with and without disabilities. . . .

young leaders of tomorrow with and with disabilities

The STEP UP (Starting Today Empowering Peers through Uniting and Participating) Council is composed of youth and young adults with and without disabilities. Council members serve as leaders within their schools, colleges/universities and communities. The Council focuses on issues facing all young people including leadership, self-advocacy, transition, health care, education, employment, bullying and recreation.

Check out our September Newsletter for all your events, updates, shout outs, and more!!!
09/01/2026

Check out our September Newsletter for all your events, updates, shout outs, and more!!!

08/22/2026

🏈 SAVE THE DATE: OCTOBER 17! 💛🖤

We’re still celebrating 50 years of IDS, and we’d love to celebrate with the people who have been part of our story along the way.

Join us for an IDS 50th Anniversary Game Day Tailgate as Southern Miss takes on Arkansas State! Whether you’re an individual or family who has received services or support from IDS, a former IDS staff member, or a longtime friend of the Institute, we hope you’ll come back and celebrate with us.

📅 Saturday, October 17
🏈 Southern Miss vs. Arkansas State
📍 The University of Southern Mississippi

Kickoff time hasn’t been announced yet, so for now, save the date! Once game time is set, we’ll share all the details - including our tailgate start time, location, menu, and how to RSVP.

After 50 years, there are a LOT of people who have helped make IDS what it is today. We’d love to see some familiar faces on October 17. 💛

📣 Help us spread the word! Share this post and tag former IDS staff, participants, families, and friends who should be there. We want to reach as many members of the IDS family as we can!

Our group had a wild time volunteering at the Hattiesburg Zoo yesterday! 🐯🐒🦒Members painted boxes and created papier-mâc...
08/19/2026

Our group had a wild time volunteering at the Hattiesburg Zoo yesterday! 🐯🐒🦒

Members painted boxes and created papier-mâché enrichment activities for the zoo’s animals. It was a meaningful, hands-on service opportunity that allowed everyone to work together, be creative, and contribute to the animals’ care and well-being.

A huge thank-you to the Hattiesburg Zoo for welcoming our group, providing such an enjoyable volunteer experience, and allowing us to explore the zoo afterward! We greatly appreciate your hospitality and look forward to seeing the animals enjoy what our members created! 🐾💚

We made a splash at our annual STEP UP Summer Retreat! 💦☀️ Everyone had a blast cooling off, riding the water attraction...
08/19/2026

We made a splash at our annual STEP UP Summer Retreat! 💦☀️ Everyone had a blast cooling off, riding the water attractions, and creating unforgettable memories together at Geyser Falls Water Theme Park in Philadelphia, Mississippi. The Geyser Falls team helped our day flow smoothly and was incredibly welcoming and accommodating throughout our visit.

A very special thank-you to the Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities for sponsoring our retreat and making this amazing experience possible for our members! 🌊

Congrats to member Justin on his new job at Spirit Halloween! Keep up the great work! 🙌
08/19/2026

Congrats to member Justin on his new job at Spirit Halloween! Keep up the great work! 🙌

08/06/2026
Hey Pals and Gals, Check out our August Newsletter for your monthly updates and events!!!
08/06/2026

Hey Pals and Gals,

Check out our August Newsletter for your monthly updates and events!!!

Hey Pals and Gals! Check out our July Newsletter Here for all updates, announcements, shout outs, and more!
07/03/2026

Hey Pals and Gals!

Check out our July Newsletter Here for all updates, announcements, shout outs, and more!

For those already signed up and confirmed!!!
06/25/2026

For those already signed up and confirmed!!!

Address

USM/IDS
Hattiesburg, MS
39406

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when STEP UP to Leadership posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share